I was recently asked how to handle a situation where a woman was bitten by a neighbor’s dog and had significants medical bills from a dog bite and had to receive emergency care. Her hospital bills are over $2000, and the neighbor is refusing to pay. Who is responsible? The answer is the dog owner. Dog and other pet owners are responsible for safely securing their animals and ensuring that they pose no danger.
If someone allows their dog to roam the neighborhood, run without a leash, or get free from an enclosed yard, the pet owner is generally at fault. This culpability could be affected by local ordinances and leash laws that may impose fines, in addition to any damages paid to victims.
Most of us are dog owners and pet lovers. It’s heart-breaking to see a beloved animal suddenly turn violent and injure a person or another animal. Even if your pet has never harmed anyone and never behaved in an aggressive manner, it’s best to be prepared for that possibility. If you start noticing behavior changes in your animal, talk to your veterinarian. As animals age, their behaviors could change in ways you’re not expecting.
If you’ve recently adopted a dog, regardless of whether it is a breed with a reputation for aggressive behavior — such as a pit bull, rottweiler, or doberman — be extra cautious and watch the dog before allowing it near strangers. Slowly introduce it to guests and other animals and don’t allow it to spend long periods of time socializing until you’ve tested its temperament. Even then, always be supervising it. And it goes without saying that your dog should never be allowed to escape your property or roam without a leash.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a pet or have medical bills from a dog bite, it’s within your right to seek compensation. You can recover medical bills, lost wages, and even be compensated for pain and suffering.
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